Going through the motions

The first day of school has come and gone and summer already seems like a blur.  I'm amazed at how fast it all goes....I swear we were just singing" schools out for summer" with the windows down. I would love it if life would slow down,the craziness of go go go would subside.  I think as I look back on the last couple of months I find that I might have been just kind of going through the motions,not really taking the time to step back at take it all in. I always promise myself I wont do that.  That my life motto should be "stop look and listen".  But instead, I fall into the rat trap of looking forward, instead of enjoying today;  you know, the silly stuff, the giggles, the funny way Ella says things, the jokes Brandon tells, the way Elaina chit chats with me and how Nate likes to hang around Brad and I alone, but I don't think we are supposed to recognize that it's like a secret that only Nate knows.

I should relish just for a moment instead of wishing or waiting for the next thing.  SO, with a new year upon us...I am trying to do just that.  I hope I can attain it, I always have the best of intentions.

I read on another blog this little blurb "what if you woke up today with only the things you thanked god for yesterday?"  What a way to live with simple gratitude.
It sure makes my nightly prayers seem to need to be  a little less asking and a lot more of me being thankful.
 
This summer was packed with games and more games.  We ended Nate's season in Gulf Shores, Alabama and then stayed for a couple extra R and R days.  We had a great time.  The boys went deep sea fishing with Brad and Elaina got to para sail, which she loved!!!


The kids all are finally back in school.  They are happy and all seem to love being there.  Ella starts Preschool on Monday and she had her open house today and didn't want to leave. The house just keeps getting quieter and quieter.  One of these days it's going to stay quiet...I don't look forward to that at all.

I also decided for another goal besides seizing the moment that I would work on getting more organized.  I have to actually work at it and sometimes I fail miserably at that as well.  Here are a few apps that I've found that I use on my Ipad and my phone.  They have been a great help so I thought I would share.

Cozi calendars:  I use this one for our family calendar and it actually will text Brad, Nate and I when there is something we need to be at.  It has come in very handy especially keeping Brad in the loop.I also plan my meals and put my shopping list on here. The n I never forget my grocery list on the countertop at home.

Mint.com: Love this one.  It helps keep all the finances of our home right at my fingertips and I can also budget for vacations and tuition for the kids school.

Lastly, flylady.net  is still my best friend.  I always seem to have more success in our home if I use her and all her ideas.

Have a great weekend.  Seize the day:)

Elaina's bday party luau

Marci